JP2022528008A - Means and methods for providing continuous drug manipulation services - Google Patents

Abstract

Aspects of some embodiments of the invention relate to a drug dispensing device configured to perform a drug dispensing process, wherein the drug dispensing device performs at least one first part of the aforementioned drug dispensing process. At least one module configured in the first configuration, dispensing hardware configured in the second configuration to perform at least one second part of the aforementioned drug dispensing process, and the aforementioned drug. At least one of the above-mentioned drug dispensing processes, with at least one of the above-mentioned modules and a circuit for controlling and linking the operation of the above-mentioned dispensing hardware, using at least one parameter related to the above-mentioned dispensing process. The first part and the above-mentioned at least one second part of the above-mentioned drug dispensing process are functionally overlapped by at least one subassembly component in the above-mentioned dispensing hardware, and the dispensing hardware is the above-mentioned drug dispensing. The process overlaps with the above-mentioned dispensing module in function and is executed in the same dispensing event.

Description

Related Applications This application claims the priority benefit of US Patent Application No. 16 / 379,831 filed April 10, 2019 under Section 120 of the US Patent Act. This application also claims the priority benefit of US Patent Application No. 16 / 379,835, filed April 10, 2019 under Section 120 of the US Patent Act. This application also claims the priority benefit of US Patent Application No. 16 / 430,456 filed June 4, 2019 under Section 120 of the US Patent Act. This application also claims the priority benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 559,716 filed September 4, 2019 under Article 120 of the U.S. Patent Act. The contents of the above application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, as if fully indicated.

The present invention relates to, but is not limited to, the means and methods for providing continuous drug manipulation services, with respect to drug manipulation services in some embodiments of the invention.

Additional background techniques include US Pat. No. 7,68019, which states that "improved drug manipulation systems, software, and related methods in long-term care facilities. The embodiment of the system is a long-term care facility pharmacy group. Remote with long-term care facility pharmacy group management software and long-term care facility pharmacy group management software associated with the management server and long-term care facility pharmacy group management server to manage pharmacological behavior within multiple long-term care facilities. Multiple drug storage and electronic dispensing carts located in long-term care facilities that communicate, remote pharmacy group servers that communicate with long-term care facility pharmacy group management servers, and remote pharmacy groups located in long-term care facilities, respectively. Includes multiple drug prescription document processors that communicate with the server or long-term care facility pharmacy group management server. "

US Pat. The design profile is created and stored by the canister management system and is used to build and fill the canister, and the workstation used to dispense the drug. It also integrates with the station. Information related to the construction process, filling process, and dispensing process is also integrated by this system. This system is another type of system between the client application on the workstation and the canister management system. It also enables the sending of messages. This system helps integrate data regardless of the supply chain structure used to design, build, distribute and use canisters. " There is.

U.S. Patent Application No. 20130240555 "provides a tablet cassette of a drug packaging device capable of sensing and resolving congestion in a tablet cassette, and a method for its operation. A tablet cassette is a cartridge that has a space for storing tablets and an outlet for ejecting tablets, a tablet installation unit, and a cartridge when tablets remain inside the cartridge but cannot be ejected. Including an oscillator that vibrates. "

The pamphlet of International Patent Application No. 2018052160 states, "A drug dispensing device that has a high space utilization rate, is filled with a large amount of drug packages, has high drug dispensing efficiency, and enables smooth dispensing regardless of the size and type of the drug package. A drug dispenser equipped with a canister module containing a canister filled with the drug package and a pick-up robot for picking up the drug package within a separate unit is provided, these canisters have the drug package canister. A first wall to adjust the gap between the L-shaped first and second walls and the second wall to provide a filling space that allows the canister to move in the longitudinal direction of the canister. A guide for moving towards the second wall, a contact plate that moves along the filling space to bring the drug packages into close contact with each other by pressure, and a coiled strip that supplies pressure to the contact plate. Includes a spiral spring. "

U.S. Patent Application No. 201801122177 describes a storage and distribution system for a product at a unit dose, comprising multiple housing units each containing multiple positions of the product at a unit dose. Is organized on a vertical plane to create at least a portion of the sorting wall, and within the sorting wall, the position for the product at a unit dose faces the selective sorting member. Includes sorting members oriented on the sorting wall to sort products packaged in unit doses. The collection unit is located on the second side of the sorting unit and of the sorting unit. Includes a rack containing multiple pegs facing the first aspect, these pegs for sorting products packaged in unit doses from or placed on sorting members. As a whole, multiple pegs can collect a smaller number of unit dose products than can be stored in automatic storage. "

US Pat. No. 8,280,550 states that "devices, systems, and methods for remotely managing items configured to be stored in at least one dispensing device. This method is a host computer system, dispensing device. It involves receiving user identification information from an electronic device located remotely from the host computer system, which also includes sending the processing of at least one item from the host computer system to the electronic device, at least one item to the patient. Associated. Further, this method involves receiving information about the item arising from the dispensing device from a remote electronic device at the host computer system, which information includes further processing of the item. " ..

U.S. Pat. The control system functions to select a specific unlabeled container from other containers in the vault and move the selected unlabeled container to the labeling module. In the Labeling Module, the label position and / or the selected unlabeled container has been adjusted to result in labeling in the desired position and angle direction for the selected unlabeled container. Later, the label will be affixed. The control system will further function to move the labeled container to a user-accessible delivery zone. "

The following is a non-exclusive list including some examples of embodiments of the present invention. The present invention also includes embodiments that include fewer features than all features in embodiments that use the features of the example and the plurality of examples, even if not explicitly shown below.

[Example 1]
A drug dispensing process involving the recovery of at least one drug ready to be taken by a patient from a dedicated container and the relaying of at least one drug described above into the interior of at least one drug carrier package. A drug dispensing device configured to perform. The apparatus comprises at least one module configured with a first configuration to mechanically perform at least one first part of the aforementioned drug dispensing process and at least one second of the aforementioned drug dispensing process. At least one additional hardware module configured in a second configuration to mechanically perform the portion of, and withdrawing at least one drug from the aforementioned dedicated container, and at least one drug described above. It comprises a circuit that controls relaying inside at least one drug carrier package as described above, wherein the circuit described above uses at least one parameter associated with the drug dispensing process described above and at least one described above. Further linking the operation of one module and the at least one additional hardware module described above, the at least one first part of the drug dispensing process described above comprises at least one first mechanical action, described above. At least one module of the above is configured to perform at least one first mechanical action described above, and at least one additional hardware module described above also performs at least one of the first mechanical actions described above. The aforementioned at least one first mechanical action configured to perform and performed by the aforementioned at least one module and the aforementioned at least one second performed by the aforementioned at least one additional hardware module. The first mechanical action of the above-mentioned at least one module and the above-mentioned at least is performed during the same session to prepare the above-mentioned at least one drug carrier package for one or more of the above-mentioned patients. One additional hardware module is located in the same drug dispensing device.

[Example 2]
The drug dispensing of Example 1, wherein at least one first part of the above-mentioned drug dispensing process and at least one second part of the above-mentioned drug dispensing process are different parts of the above-mentioned drug dispensing process. Device.

[Example 3]
The drug dispensing apparatus of Example 1 or 2, wherein the at least one first configuration described above and the at least one second configuration described above have the same configuration.

[Example 4]
The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the above-mentioned at least one first configuration and the above-mentioned at least one second configuration are different configurations.

[Example 5]
At least one of the first and second configurations described above is from the type of drug, the size of the drug, the amount of the drug, the type of the drug carrier package, the size of the drug carrier package, the engagement mechanism of the drug, and the transport mechanism of the drug. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, which is adapted to at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of.

[Example 6]
The aforementioned at least one first portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process and the aforementioned at least one second portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process are at least one of the aforementioned for two or more of the aforementioned patients. Preparation of a Drug Carrier Package A drug dispensing device according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, which is performed during the same session.

[Example 7]
The aforementioned at least one first portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process and the aforementioned at least one second portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process are at least one of the aforementioned for two or more of the aforementioned patients. A drug dispensing device according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, which is performed in different sessions to prepare a drug carrier package.

[Example 8]
The aforementioned at least one second portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process comprises at least one second mechanical action, and the aforementioned at least one additional hardware module comprises the aforementioned at least one second machine. Any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the at least one module described above is configured to perform the above-mentioned at least one second mechanical action. Device.

[Example 9]
The aforementioned at least one second mechanical action performed by the aforementioned at least one module and the aforementioned at least one second mechanical action performed by the aforementioned at least one additional hardware module are described above. The drug dispensing device of any one of Examples 1-8, performed during the same session preparing at least one of the aforementioned drug carrier packages for one or more of the patients.

[Example 10]
The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the above-mentioned modules is selected from the group consisting of a drug array module, a drug carrier box module, a drug operation module section, and a mechanical arm module.

[Example 11]
The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the above-mentioned drug is recovered from the above-mentioned drug sequence module by the above-mentioned mechanical arm module.

[Example 12]
The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the above-mentioned medicine is carried by the above-mentioned mechanical arm module to a medicine bag located in the medicine bag module in the above-mentioned operation module section.

[Example 13]
The drug dispensing process described above involves inserting two or more drugs into one drug bag, inserting two or more types of drugs into one drug bag, and inserting one type of drug into two or more drug bags. The drug dispensing device of any one of Examples 1-12, comprising at least one of the following.

[Example 14]
The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the at least one additional hardware module described above is operated when the at least one module described above cannot be operated.

[Example 15]
The at least one module described above comprises at least one unit configured with a third configuration to perform at least one third part of the process described above, and the at least one unit described above is the process described above. The drug dispensing apparatus of any one of Examples 1-14, comprising at least one element configured in a fourth configuration to perform at least one fourth portion of the invention.

[Example 16]
Modules, additional hardware modules, units, and elements are configured to communicate with the aforementioned circuits and monitor parts of the aforementioned processes and are selected from the group consisting of at least one sensor and at least one camera. , Which of embodiments 1-15, comprising at least one second additional hardware module, wherein the at least one second additional hardware module described above is remotely actuated by the user via a dedicated server. One drug dispensing device.

[Example 17]
When the aforementioned drug dispensing device is in operation, the at least one module described above and at least one additional hardware module described above can be used without interrupting the aforementioned parts of the aforementioned process of the aforementioned drug dispensing device. , A drug dispensing device according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, respectively configured to be independently removed from the above-mentioned drug dispensing device.

[Example 18]
The drug dispensing device according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the module is configured to be independently replaced from the above-mentioned drug dispensing device.

[Example 19]
The drug dispensing device of any one of Examples 1-18, wherein replacing the module described above does not interrupt a portion of the aforementioned process of the drug dispensing device described above.

[Example 20]
The drug dispensing device according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein it takes about 1 second to about 10 minutes to separate the above-mentioned module and the above-mentioned drug dispensing device when replacing the above-mentioned module.

[Example 21]
The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein at least one of the above-mentioned modules is operated in the middle of the above-mentioned drug dispensing process.

[Example 22]
The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein at least one additional hardware module described above is operated in the middle of the drug dispensing process described above.

[Example 23]
The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein at least one drug carrier package described above contains a drug to be taken by the above-mentioned user during a single drug ingestion time.

[Example 24]
The drug dispensing device according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the drug dispensing process described above comprises inserting two or more types of drugs into at least one drug carrier package described above within the same dispensing session.

[Example 25]
The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein each of the above-mentioned types of drugs is a drug in the final state before being taken by the above-mentioned patient.

[Example 26]
The drug dispensing device of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein each of the above-mentioned types of agents does not require further mixing or dilution prior to being inserted into at least one of the above-mentioned drug carrier packages.

[Example 27]
The drug dispensing device of any one of Examples 1-26, wherein the above-mentioned type of drug is selected from the group consisting of tablets, liquids, sprays, injections, ointments, creams, patches, and any combination thereof.

[Example 28]
How to operate a drug dispensing device. This method
a. Using at least one first removable drug dispensing module, at least one second removable drug dispensing module, and at least one parameter associated with drug dispensing, the first and the above mentioned above. To provide a drug dispensing device including a circuit for interconnecting, controlling, and linking mechanical operations in a drug dispensing process of a second removable drug dispensing module.
b. To configure the aforementioned at least one removable drug dispensing module to perform the mechanical operation of at least one of the above-mentioned first removable drug dispensing modules prior to the dispensing event.
c. Preparing the at least one drug carrier package described above for one or more of the patients Mechanically operating the first and second removable drug dispensing modules described above during the same session. When,
d. Preparing one or more of the aforementioned drug carrier packages for one or more of the aforementioned patients. One of the aforementioned modules when the other module is inoperable during the same session as described above. Including continuing to operate mechanically
The aforementioned method prepares the aforementioned at least one drug carrier package for one or more of the aforementioned patients during the same session described above with at least one drug of two or more types. Includes insertion into a shipping container.

[Example 29]
The method of Example 28, wherein each of the aforementioned types of agents is an agent in the final state before being taken by one or more of the aforementioned patients.

[Example 30]
The method of Example 28 or 29, wherein each of the aforementioned types of agents does not require further mixing or dilution prior to being inserted into at least one of the aforementioned agent transport containers.

[Example 31]
The method of any one of Examples 28-30, wherein the agent of the aforementioned type is selected from the group consisting of tablets, liquids, sprays, injections, ointments, creams, patches, and any combination thereof.

[Example 32]
Any of Examples 28-31, wherein the first and second removable drug dispensing modules described above are provided from the group consisting of a drug sequence module, a drug carrier module, a drug manipulation module section, and a mechanical arm module. Or one way.

[Example 33]
The drug dispensing process mentioned above
a. To store at least one drug and
b. Receiving information on at least one drug to be dispensed,
c. Identifying at least one of the aforementioned drugs and
d. Identifying at least one position of at least one of the aforementioned agents and
e. Collecting at least one of the aforementioned agents from at least one of the aforementioned locations,
f. Carrying at least one of the aforementioned agents from at least one of the aforementioned positions to at least one second position within the aforementioned dispensing device.
g. To release at least one of the aforementioned agents to at least one of the aforementioned second positions,
h. Printing at least one piece of information on at least one drug shipping container,
i. Closing at least one drug shipping container mentioned above and
j. Inserting at least one container as described above into at least one shipping box,
k. The method of any one of Examples 28-32, comprising dispensing the at least one carrier described above to at least one authorized user.

[Example 34]
At least one of the above parameters or the above mechanical operation
a. To store at least one drug and
b. Identifying at least one drug and
c. Identifying at least one position of at least one of the aforementioned agents and
d. Collecting at least one of the aforementioned agents from at least one of the aforementioned locations,
e. Carrying at least one of the aforementioned agents from at least one of the aforementioned positions to at least one second position within the aforementioned dispensing device.
f. To release at least one of the aforementioned agents to at least one of the aforementioned second positions,
g. Printing at least one piece of information on at least one drug shipping container,
h. Closing at least one drug shipping container mentioned above and
i. Inserting at least one container as described above into at least one shipping box,
j. The method of any one of Examples 28-33 selected from the group consisting of dispensing at least one shipping box to at least one authorized user as described above.

[Example 35]
The above method
a. Inserting two or more drugs into one medicine bag,
b. Inserting two or more types of drugs into one medicine bag,
c. The method of any one of Examples 28-34 comprising at least one of inserting one type of drug into two or more drug bags.

According to aspects of some embodiments of the invention, recovering at least one drug from a dedicated container, relaying at least one drug described above to the inside of at least one drug carrier package, and described above. Configured to perform a drug dispensing process comprising closing and labeling at least one drug carrier package and dispensing at least one drug described above into the interior of at least one drug carrier package described above. A drug dispensing device has been provided, wherein the drug dispensing device comprises at least one module configured with a first configuration to perform at least one first part of the aforementioned drug dispensing process, and the aforementioned. Dispensing hardware configured with a second configuration to perform at least one second part of the drug dispensing process, and withdrawing at least one drug from the aforementioned dedicated container and at least one of the aforementioned. Relaying the drug inside at least one drug carrier package, closing and labeling at least one drug carrier package described above, and at least one drug described above inside at least one drug carrier package described above. To link the operation of one of the above-mentioned at least one module and the above-mentioned dispensing hardware by using at least one parameter related to the above-mentioned drug dispensing process, including a circuit for controlling the dispensing with the above-mentioned. At least one first part of the aforementioned drug dispensing process and at least one second part of the aforementioned drug dispensing process are functional in function by at least one subassembly component within the aforementioned dispensing hardware. Overlapping, the dispensing hardware overlaps in function with at least one of the aforementioned modules in the aforementioned drug dispensing process and is performed in the same dispensing event. The drug dispensing process described above. At least one module and the above-mentioned dispensing above, without interrupting the above-mentioned first or second part of the above-mentioned drug dispensing process of the above-mentioned drug dispensing device when the above-mentioned drug dispensing device is being operated. Each hardware is configured to be removed independently of the aforementioned drug dispensing device.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one first portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process and the aforementioned at least one second portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process are the aforementioned drug dispensing process. Is a different part of.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned at least one first configuration and the above-mentioned at least one second configuration are the same configuration.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned at least one first configuration and the above-mentioned at least one second configuration are different from each other.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one first and at least one second configuration described above are the type of drug, the size of the drug, the amount of the drug, the type of drug carrier package, the drug. It is adapted to at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of carrier package size, drug engagement mechanism, and drug transport mechanism.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one first portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process and the aforementioned at least one second portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process are performed simultaneously.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one first portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process and the aforementioned at least one second portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process are performed at different times. To.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned modules is selected from the group consisting of a drug arrangement module, a drug carrier box module, a drug manipulation module section, and a mechanical arm module.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned drug is recovered from the above-mentioned drug sequence module by the above-mentioned mechanical arm module.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned drug is carried by the above-mentioned mechanical arm module to the medicine bag located in the medicine bag module in the above-mentioned operation module section.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drug dispensing process described above is the insertion of two or more drugs into one drug bag, the insertion of two or more types of drugs into one drug bag, 1 Includes at least one of inserting one type of drug into two or more drug bags.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the dispensing hardware described above is operated when at least one of the modules described above cannot be operated.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one module described above comprises at least one unit configured in a third configuration to perform at least one third part of the process described above. , The at least one unit described above comprises at least one element configured in a fourth configuration to perform at least one fourth part of the process described above.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modules, hardware, units, and elements are configured to communicate with the aforementioned circuits and monitor parts of the aforementioned processes, with at least one sensor and at least one. It comprises at least one additional hardware selected from the group consisting of one camera, the at least one additional hardware described above being remotely activated by the user via a dedicated server.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the module is configured to be independent of the pharmaceutical dispensing device described above.

According to some embodiments of the invention, replacing the aforementioned module does not interrupt a portion of the aforementioned process of the aforementioned drug dispensing apparatus.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, it takes about 1 second to about 10 minutes to separate the above-mentioned module and the above-mentioned drug dispensing device when replacing the above-mentioned module.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned modules is activated in the middle of the aforementioned drug dispensing process.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the above-mentioned dispensing hardware is activated in the middle of the above-mentioned drug dispensing process.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the drug dispensing device described above comprises at least one module described above, the dispensing hardware described above, and the circuits described above all in the same device.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a method of operating a drug dispensing device is provided, wherein the method comprises at least one first removable drug dispensing module and at least one second. Removable drug dispensing module and at least one parameter related to drug dispensing are used to interact mechanical operations in the drug dispensing process of the first and second removable drug dispensing modules described above. To provide a drug dispensing device that includes a circuit to connect, control, and link, and to perform a mechanical operation of at least one of the first removable drug dispensing modules described above prior to a dispensing event. To configure at least one of the above-mentioned second removable drug dispensing modules, and to mechanically operate the above-mentioned first and the above-mentioned second removable drug dispensing modules in the same dispensing event. The above-mentioned method involves operating the above-mentioned drug dispensing device, including continuing to mechanically operate one of the above-mentioned modules when the other module cannot operate during the same dispensing event. When present, it involves independently removing the inoperable aforementioned module without interrupting the aforementioned mechanical operation of the aforementioned drug dispensing device at the same aforementioned dispensing event.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method comprises the aforementioned first and second removable drug dispensing modules, the drug sequence module, the drug carrier module, the drug manipulation module section, and the mechanical. Further includes providing from a group consisting of arm modules.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the drug dispensing process described above comprises storing at least one drug, receiving information on at least one drug to be dispensed, and at least one drug described above. To identify, to identify at least one position of the above-mentioned at least one drug, to collect the above-mentioned at least one drug from the above-mentioned at least one position, and to describe the above-mentioned at least one drug. To carry from at least one position of the above to at least one second position in the above-mentioned dispensing device, and to release at least one of the above-mentioned agents to at least one of the above-mentioned second positions, and at least one piece of information. To print on at least one drug shipping container, to close at least one drug shipping container, to insert at least one container into at least one shipping box, and to insert at least one shipping container. Includes dispensing the box to at least one authorized user.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the above-mentioned parameters or the above-mentioned mechanical operation stores at least one drug, identifies at least one drug, and at least one of the above-mentioned ones. Identifying at least one position of a drug, collecting the at least one drug from the at least one position mentioned above, and dispensing the at least one drug from the at least one position mentioned above. Carrying to at least one second position within, releasing at least one drug mentioned above to at least one second position mentioned above, and printing at least one piece of information on at least one drug shipping container. That, closing at least one of the above-mentioned drug shipping containers, inserting at least one of the above-mentioned containers into at least one shipping box, and at least one authorized user of the above-mentioned at least one shipping box. It is selected from the group consisting of dispensing to.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned locations is in the aforementioned drug sequence module.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned carrying is carried out by the aforementioned mechanical arm module.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one second position described above is the drug transport container.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drug transport container described above is a drug bag.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the method described above is to insert two or more drugs into one medicine bag, insert two or more kinds of drugs into one medicine bag, one kind. Includes at least one of inserting the drug of the above into two or more drug bags.

According to aspects of some embodiments of the invention, recovering at least one drug from a dedicated container, relaying at least one drug described above to the inside of at least one drug carrier package, and described above. Configured to perform a drug dispensing process comprising closing and labeling at least one drug carrier package and dispensing at least one drug described above into the interior of at least one drug carrier package described above. A drug dispensing device has been provided, wherein the drug dispensing device comprises at least one module configured with a first configuration to perform at least one first part of the aforementioned drug dispensing process, and the aforementioned. Dispensing hardware configured with a second configuration to perform at least one second part of the drug dispensing process, and withdrawing at least one drug from the aforementioned dedicated container and at least one of the aforementioned. Relaying the drug inside at least one drug carrier package, closing and labeling at least one drug carrier package described above, and at least one drug described above inside at least one drug carrier package described above. It is equipped with a circuit that controls dispensing to the above-mentioned drug dispensing process, and links the operation of the above-mentioned one at least one module and the above-mentioned dispensing hardware by using at least one parameter related to the above-mentioned drug dispensing process. At least one first part of the above-mentioned drug dispensing process and at least one second part of the above-mentioned drug dispensing process are functionally performed by at least one subassembly component in the above-mentioned dispensing hardware. Overlapping, the dispensing hardware overlaps in function with the aforementioned dispensing module in the aforementioned drug dispensing process and is performed at the same dispensing event.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one first portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process and the aforementioned at least one second portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process are the aforementioned drug dispensing process. Is a different part of.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned at least one first configuration and the above-mentioned at least one second configuration are the same configuration.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned at least one first configuration and the above-mentioned at least one second configuration are different from each other.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one first configuration described above and the at least one second configuration described above
a. Type of drug,
b. Drug size,
c. Amount of drug,
d. Types of drug carrier packages,
e. Drug carrier package size,
f. Drug engagement mechanism, and g. It is adapted to at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of drug transport mechanisms.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one first portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process and the aforementioned at least one second portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process are performed simultaneously.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one first portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process and the aforementioned at least one second portion of the aforementioned drug dispensing process are performed at different times. To.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned modules is selected from the group consisting of a drug arrangement module, a drug carrier box module, a drug manipulation module section, and a mechanical arm module.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned drug is recovered from the above-mentioned drug sequence module by the above-mentioned mechanical arm module.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned drug is carried by the above-mentioned mechanical arm module to the medicine bag located in the medicine bag module in the above-mentioned operation module section.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the drug dispensing process described above
a. Inserting two or more drugs into one medicine bag,
b. Inserting two or more types of drugs into one medicine bag,
c. Includes at least one of inserting one type of drug into two or more drug bags.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the dispensing hardware described above is operated when at least one of the modules described above cannot be operated.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one module described above comprises at least one unit configured in a third configuration to perform at least one third part of the process described above. , The at least one unit described above comprises at least one element configured in a fourth configuration to perform at least one fourth part of the process described above.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modules, hardware, units, and elements are configured to communicate with the aforementioned circuits and monitor parts of the aforementioned processes.
a. At least one sensor, and b. With at least one additional hardware selected from the group consisting of at least one camera,
At least one of the additional hardware mentioned above is remotely activated by the user via a dedicated server.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the module is configured to be detached independently of the aforementioned drug dispensing device, and removing the aforementioned module is part of the aforementioned process of the aforementioned drug dispensing device. Do not interrupt.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the module is configured to be independent of the pharmaceutical dispensing device described above.

According to some embodiments of the invention, replacing the aforementioned module does not interrupt a portion of the aforementioned process of the aforementioned drug dispensing apparatus.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, it takes about 1 second to about 10 minutes to separate the above-mentioned module and the above-mentioned drug dispensing device when replacing the above-mentioned module.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned modules is activated in the middle of the aforementioned drug dispensing process.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the above-mentioned dispensing hardware is activated in the middle of the above-mentioned drug dispensing process.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the module described above is a removable module.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a method of operating a drug dispensing device is provided, wherein the method comprises at least one first removable drug dispensing module and at least one second. Removable drug dispensing module and at least one parameter related to drug dispensing are used to interact mechanical operations in the drug dispensing process of the first and second removable drug dispensing modules described above. To provide a drug dispensing device that includes a circuit to connect, control, and link, and to perform a mechanical operation of at least one of the first removable drug dispensing modules described above prior to a dispensing event. To configure at least one of the above-mentioned second removable drug dispensing modules, and to mechanically operate the above-mentioned first and the above-mentioned second removable drug dispensing modules in the same dispensing event. It involves continuing to mechanically operate one of the aforementioned modules during the same dispensing event when the other module is inoperable.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first and second removable drug dispensing modules described above consist of a drug sequence module, a drug carrier box module, a drug operation module section, and a mechanical arm module. Selected from the group.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the drug dispensing process described above
a. To store at least one drug and
b. Receiving information on at least one drug to be dispensed,
c. Identifying at least one of the aforementioned drugs and
d. Identifying at least one position of at least one of the aforementioned agents and
e. Collecting at least one of the aforementioned agents from at least one of the aforementioned locations,
f. Carrying at least one of the aforementioned agents from at least one of the aforementioned positions to at least one second position within the aforementioned dispensing device.
g. To release at least one of the aforementioned agents to at least one of the aforementioned second positions,
h. Printing at least one piece of information on at least one drug shipping container,
i. Closing at least one drug shipping container mentioned above and
j. Inserting at least one container as described above into at least one shipping box,
k. Includes dispensing at least one shipping box as described above to at least one authorized user.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one parameter or the aforementioned mechanical operation may be
a. To store at least one drug and
a. Identifying at least one drug and
b. Identifying at least one position of at least one of the aforementioned agents and
c. Collecting at least one of the aforementioned agents from at least one of the aforementioned locations,
d. Carrying at least one of the aforementioned agents from at least one of the aforementioned positions to at least one second position within the aforementioned dispensing device.
e. To release at least one of the aforementioned agents to at least one of the aforementioned second positions,
f. Printing at least one piece of information on at least one drug shipping container,
g. Closing at least one drug shipping container mentioned above and
h. Inserting at least one container as described above into at least one shipping box,
i. It is selected from the group consisting of dispensing at least one carrier as described above to at least one authorized user.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned locations is in the aforementioned drug sequence module.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned carrying is carried out by the aforementioned mechanical arm module.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drug transport container described above is a drug bag.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned method
a. Inserting two or more drugs into one medicine bag,
b. Inserting two or more types of drugs into one medicine bag,
c. Includes at least one of inserting one type of drug into two or more drug bags.

According to aspects of some embodiments of the invention, recovering at least one drug from a dedicated container, relaying at least one drug described above to the inside of at least one drug carrier package, as described above. To perform a drug dispensing process comprising sealing and labeling at least one drug carrier package and dispensing at least one drug described above into the interior of at least one drug carrier package described above. A configured drug dispensing device is provided, and this drug dispensing device is
a. With at least one module containing the first configuration configured to perform at least one first part of the process described above.
b. Dispensing hardware, including a second configuration configured to perform at least one second part of the process described above.
c. With at least one parameter associated with drug dispensing, the aforementioned at least one module and a circuit linking the operation of the aforementioned dispensing hardware.
The above-mentioned at least one first part of the above-mentioned process and the above-mentioned at least one second part of the above-mentioned process overlap in the function in the above-mentioned process and are executed in the same dispensing event.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one first portion of the aforementioned process and the aforementioned at least one second portion of the aforementioned process are different parts of the aforementioned process.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned at least one first configuration and the above-mentioned at least one second configuration are the same configuration.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned at least one first configuration and the above-mentioned at least one second configuration are different from each other.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one first portion of the aforementioned process and the aforementioned at least one second portion of the aforementioned process are performed simultaneously.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one first portion of the aforementioned process and the aforementioned at least one second portion of the aforementioned process are performed at different times.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned modules is selected from the group consisting of a drug arrangement module, a drug carrier box module, a drug manipulation module section, and a mechanical arm module.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the dispensing hardware described above is operated when at least one of the modules described above cannot be operated.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one module described above comprises at least one configuration configured to perform at least one third part of the process described above. It is equipped with a first unit.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned modules comprises at least one fourth configuration configured to perform at least one fourth part of the aforementioned process. It is equipped with a second unit.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one third part of the aforementioned process and the aforementioned at least one fourth portion of the aforementioned process are the same parts of the aforementioned process.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one third part of the aforementioned process and the aforementioned at least one fourth portion of the aforementioned process are different parts of the aforementioned process.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned at least one third configuration and the above-mentioned at least one fourth configuration are the same configuration.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned at least one third configuration and the above-mentioned at least one fourth configuration are different from each other.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one third part of the aforementioned process and the aforementioned at least one fourth part of the aforementioned process are performed simultaneously.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one third part of the aforementioned process and the aforementioned at least one fourth part of the aforementioned process are performed at different times.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned units comprises a fifth configuration configured to perform at least one fifth part of the aforementioned process. It has a first element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned units comprises a sixth configuration configured to perform at least one sixth portion of the aforementioned process. It has a second element.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one fifth part of the aforementioned process and the aforementioned at least one sixth portion of the aforementioned process are the same parts of the aforementioned process.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one fifth part of the aforementioned process and the aforementioned at least one sixth portion of the aforementioned process are different parts of the aforementioned process.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned at least one fifth configuration and the above-mentioned at least one sixth configuration are the same configuration.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned at least one fifth configuration and the above-mentioned at least one sixth configuration are different configurations.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one fifth part of the aforementioned process and the aforementioned at least one sixth portion of the aforementioned process are performed simultaneously.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one fifth part of the aforementioned process and the aforementioned at least one sixth portion of the aforementioned process are performed at different times.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modules, hardware, units, and elements include at least one sensor configured to communicate with the aforementioned circuits and monitor parts of the aforementioned processes.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one camera configured such that modules, hardware, units, and elements communicate with the aforementioned circuits and visually monitor parts of the aforementioned processes. To prepare for.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one sensor and the at least one camera described above are remotely activated by the user via a dedicated server.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modules, hardware, units, and elements are configured to be detached independently of the aforementioned drug dispensing device.

According to some embodiments of the invention, removing the modules, hardware, units, and elements described above does not interrupt the aforementioned process portion of the drug dispensing device described above.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modules, hardware, units, and elements are configured to be replaced independently of the aforementioned drug dispensing device.

According to some embodiments of the invention, replacing the aforementioned modules, hardware, units, and elements does not interrupt a portion of the aforementioned process of the aforementioned drug dispensing apparatus.

According to some embodiments of the invention, it takes about 1 minute to about 10 minutes to replace the aforementioned modules, hardware, units, and elements.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drug sequence module described above comprises a plurality of drug units.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the number of the above-mentioned plurality of drug units is about 4 to about 300.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of drug units described above comprises a plurality of drug elements.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the number of the above-mentioned chemical elements is about 2 to about 200.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of drug units described above have a horizontal orientation with respect to the drug sequence module described above.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of drug units described above have a vertical orientation with respect to the drug sequence module described above.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drug carrier module described above comprises a plurality of trays.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a drug bag ready to be marked, filled with drug, closed, crimped and dispensed is inserted into the tray described above.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the drug manipulation module section described above comprises a plurality of submodules.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of submodules described above are selected from the group consisting of a printer module, a crimper module, at least one medicine bag module, and a control module.

According to aspects of some embodiments of the invention, a method of operating a drug dispensing device is provided, which method is:
a. Using at least one first removable drug dispensing module, at least one second removable drug dispensing module, and at least one parameter associated with drug dispensing, the first and the above mentioned above. To provide a drug dispensing device including a circuit for interconnecting and linking mechanical operations in a drug dispensing process of a second removable drug dispensing module.
c. To configure the aforementioned at least one removable drug dispensing module to perform the mechanical operation of at least one of the above-mentioned first removable drug dispensing modules prior to the dispensing event.
d. Mechanically manipulating the first and second removable drug dispensing modules described above in the same dispensing event,
e. It involves continuing to mechanically operate one of the aforementioned modules during the same dispensing event when the other module is inoperable.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first and second removable drug dispensing modules described above consist of a drug sequence module, a drug carrier box module, a drug operation module section, and a mechanical arm module. Provided from the group.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one parameter described above is to store at least one agent.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one parameter identifies at least one agent.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one parameter described above identifies at least one position of the at least one agent described above.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned locations is in the aforementioned drug sequence module.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one parameter described above is to collect the at least one agent described above from at least one position described above.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one parameter carries the aforementioned at least one agent from the aforementioned at least one position to at least one second position within the aforementioned dispensing device. Is.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned carrying is carried out by the aforementioned mechanical arm module.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one second position described above is the drug transport container.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drug transport container described above is a drug bag.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one parameter described above is to release the at least one agent described above to the at least one second position described above.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one parameter described above is to print at least one piece of information on at least one drug transport container.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one parameter described above is to seal the at least one drug transport container described above.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one parameter described above is to insert the at least one container described above into at least one shipping box.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one parameter is to dispense the aforementioned at least one shipping box to at least one authorized user.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the mechanical operation described above is to store at least one drug.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned mechanical manipulation is to identify at least one agent.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the mechanical operation described above is to identify at least one position of the at least one agent described above.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the above-mentioned mechanical operation is to collect at least one of the above-mentioned agents from the above-mentioned at least one position.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the mechanical operation described above carries the at least one agent described above from at least one position described above to at least one second position within the dispensing device described above. be.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one second position described above is the drug transport container.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drug transport container described above is a drug bag.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the above-mentioned mechanical operation is to release at least one of the above-mentioned agents to the above-mentioned at least one second position.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the mechanical operation described above is to print at least one piece of information on at least one drug transport container.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned mechanical operation is to seal the aforementioned at least one drug transport container.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the mechanical operation described above is to insert at least one container described above into at least one shipping box.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the mechanical operation described above is to dispense at least one transport box described above to at least one authorized user.

According to aspects of some embodiments of the invention, a method of scheduling maintenance of a drug dispensing device is provided, which method is:
a. Receiving a request to perform the above maintenance and
b. To automatically generate at least one proposed maintenance time frame that meets the production targets of the above-mentioned drug dispensing device and the mechanical capabilities of the above-mentioned drug dispensing device as well as the above-mentioned maintenance and the above-mentioned requirements.
c. Includes responding to the above-mentioned request in at least one of the above-mentioned proposed maintenance time frames.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned requirements include at least one preferred time frame for performing the aforementioned maintenance.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the production comprises comparing the aforementioned preferred time frame for performing the aforementioned maintenance with the production schedule of the aforementioned drug dispensing device.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the above-mentioned proposals in the above-mentioned at least one preferred time frame for the above-mentioned production to achieve the above-mentioned production target and perform the above-mentioned maintenance. Includes modifying the aforementioned production schedule to allow the generation of maintenance timeframes.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned modifications include utilizing about 50% to about 100% mechanical capacity.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned modifications include utilizing about 100% to about 200% mechanical capacity by activating a spare drug module.

According to aspects of some embodiments of the invention, a self-constituent drug dispensing device is provided, which is a device.
(A) With at least one replaceable module configured to perform part of the drug dispensing process.
(B) With at least one additional hardware component that interface with at least one of the replaceable modules described above to support the dispensing process described above.
(C) An at least one identification circuit associated with the at least one interchangeable module described above and configured to detect indications of at least one characteristic of the at least one interchangeable module described above.
(D) A control circuit that links the activities of at least one replaceable module and the additional hardware described above using at least one configuration parameter value.
(E) It is provided with a configuration circuit that receives the above-mentioned detected instruction and changes the above-mentioned at least one setting parameter value in response to the above-mentioned detected instruction.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one replaceable module described above is selected from the group consisting of a drug arrangement module, a drug carrier box module, a drug manipulation module section, and a mechanical arm module.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the dispensing process described above comprises storing at least one drug.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the dispensing process described above comprises identifying at least one drug.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the dispensing process described above comprises identifying at least one position of the at least one agent described above.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned locations is in the aforementioned drug sequence module.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the above-mentioned dispensing process comprises collecting at least one of the above-mentioned agents from at least one of the above-mentioned locations.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the above-mentioned dispensing process comprises transporting the above-mentioned at least one drug from the above-mentioned at least one position to at least one second position in the above-mentioned dispensing device. ..

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned carrying is carried out by the aforementioned mechanical arm module.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one second position described above is the drug transport container.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drug transport container described above is a drug bag.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the above-mentioned dispensing process comprises releasing at least one of the above-mentioned agents to at least one of the above-mentioned second positions.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the dispensing process described above comprises printing at least one piece of information on at least one drug transport container.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the dispensing process described above comprises sealing at least one drug transport container described above.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the dispensing process described above comprises inserting at least one container described above into at least one shipping box.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the dispensing process described above comprises dispensing at least one transport box described above to at least one authorized user.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned at least one property includes the correct function of the aforementioned at least one replaceable module.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned properties comprises the type of agent.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned properties comprises the size of the agent.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned properties comprises the amount of the agent.

According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned properties comprises the type of drug transport container.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned instructions are modifications in the aforementioned correct function of the aforementioned at least one replaceable module.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned instructions are modifications in the type of agent described above.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned instructions are changes in the size of the aforementioned agents.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned instructions are changes in the amount of said agent.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned instructions are modifications in the type of drug transport container described above.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and / or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art relating to the invention. Methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used in practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, but exemplary methods and / or materials are described below. .. In the event of a contradiction, including the definition, this patent specification controls. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are merely exemplary and are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, some embodiments of the invention may be embodied as systems, methods, or computer program products. Accordingly, some embodiments of the invention are entirely hardware embodiments, fully software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or a combination of software and hardware aspects. Embodiments may be taken, all of which may be commonly referred to herein as "circuits", "modules", or "systems". Further, some embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable media in which the computer readable program code is embodied. Implementations of the methods and / or systems of some embodiments of the invention can include performing and / or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or in combination thereof. Further, according to the actual implementation and equipment of some embodiments of the methods and / or systems of the present invention, a plurality of selected tasks may be performed by hardware, by software, or by firmware, and / or, eg, an operating system. It can be implemented by using these combinations.

For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to some embodiments of the invention may be implemented as chips or circuits. The selected work, as software, according to some embodiments of the invention may be implemented as multiple software instructions performed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an embodiment of the invention, such as a computing platform for one or more operations according to the methods and / or some embodiments of a system described herein to execute a plurality of instructions. , Performed by the data processor. Optionally, the data processor may include volatile memory for storing instructions and / or data, and / or non-volatile storage for storing instructions and / or data (eg, a magnetic hard disk and / or removable). Medium) is included. Optionally, a network connection is also provided. A display and / or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse is also optionally provided.

In some embodiments of the invention, any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be utilized. The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be, but is not limited to, for example, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples (non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include one or more wires, portable floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM: ROM:). Read-only memory), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM: eraseable programmable read-only memory or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM: compact disc read-only memory), optical storage Examples include devices, electromagnetic storage devices, or electrical connections containing any suitable combination thereof. In the context of this document, computer-readable storage media may include or store programs for use by or in connection with instruction execution systems, instruction execution devices, or instruction execution devices. It may be a tangible medium.

The computer-readable signal medium may include the propagated data signal embodying the computer-readable program code, eg, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such propagating signals may take any of a variety of forms including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium is not a computer-readable storage medium, but any computer capable of transmitting, propagating, or carrying a program for use by, or in connection with, a system, device, or device performing instructions. It may be a readable medium.

The program code embodied in computer-readable media and / or the data used by those program codes includes, but is limited to, wireless, wired, fiber optic cables, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof. It may be transmitted using any suitable medium that is not.

The computer programming code for performing the operations of some embodiments of the invention is object-oriented programming languages such as Java, Smalltalk, C ++, and conventional procedural programming such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. It may be described in any combination of one or more programming languages including the language. The program code can be run entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer as a stand-alone software package, partially on the user's computer and on a remote computer, respectively. It can be run entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may or may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). May be done to an external computer (eg, over the Internet using an Internet service provider).

Some embodiments of the invention can be described below with reference to flow charts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated that each block of the flow chart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of blocks contained in the flow chart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions are intended to create a means by which instructions executed through the processor of a computer or other programmable data processing device perform the functions / operations specified in the blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram. It may be provided to a general purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or the processor of another programmable data processing device to create a machine.

These computer program instructions may be stored on a computer readable medium, and the product containing instructions stored on the computer readable medium to perform a function / operation specified in a block of a flowchart and / or a block diagram. A computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device can be instructed to function in a particular manner to produce.

A computer program instruction is such that an instruction executed on a computer or other programmable device provides a process for performing a function / operation specified in a block of a flowchart and / or a block diagram. It may be loaded into a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device, thereby spawning a series of operable steps on a computer, on another programmable device, or on a computer implementation process. Run on other devices.

Some of the methods described herein are typically designed for use solely by computers and may not be feasible or practical with respect to being performed purely manually by a professional. Professionals who want to perform similar tasks manually may be expected to use completely different methods, such as leveraging their expertise and / or the ability of the human brain to recognize patterns. It would be significantly more efficient than manually performing the steps of the method described herein.

In the present specification, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings merely as an example. Although the drawings are referred to in detail here, it is emphasized that these details are shown as examples and are intended for illustrative purposes of embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, those skilled in the art will be shown how to practice embodiments of the present invention by means of illustrations.

It is a schematic diagram of an exemplary previous drug dispensing system / method. It is a figure which shows the exemplary drug dispensing apparatus according to a part of Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a drug dispensing device comprising spare modules and / or redundant modules according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a drug carrier module according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a drug sequence module according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a drug unit separated (removed) from the frame of a drug sequence module, according to some embodiments of the invention. Exemplary drug units and / or drug subunits comprising 5 spaces for 5 drug elements according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a drug element separated (removed) from a drug unit, according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a chemical element according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a drug dispensing device comprising a mechanical arm module and two mechanical arm modules according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a drug dispensing device comprising a mechanical arm module and two mechanical arm modules according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the internal mechanism of a tablet engagement mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a tablet engagement mechanism separated (removed) from a vertical axis according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a drug carrier module according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a drug carrier module separated (removed) from the frame of a drug dispensing device according to some embodiments of the present invention. It is a schematic of an exemplary drug manipulation module section according to some embodiments of the invention. Three schematics of a portion separated from the drug manipulation module section, according to some embodiments of the invention. It is a schematic diagram of the medicine bag module (a), the printer module (b), and the crimper module (c) according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of a drug dispensing apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of a drug dispensing apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of a drug dispensing apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic flow chart of a method performed by an exemplary drug manipulation service system, according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic flow chart of a method performed by an exemplary drug manipulation service system, according to some embodiments of the present invention. It is a schematic flowchart of another method performed by an exemplary drug manipulation service system according to some embodiments of the present invention. It is a schematic flowchart of another method performed by an exemplary drug manipulation service system according to some embodiments of the present invention. It is a schematic flowchart of another method performed by an exemplary drug manipulation service system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

The present invention relates to, but is not limited to, the means and methods for providing continuous drug manipulation services, with respect to drug manipulation services in some embodiments of the invention.

Overview Aspects of some embodiments of the invention relate to drug dispensing devices including at least one redundant hardware and / or spare hardware, and thus have high reliability and / or easy maintainability as described above. A drug dispensing device is provided. In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device comprises at least one module. In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device comprises a plurality of modules. In some embodiments, at least one of the aforementioned modules is selected from the group consisting of a drug arrangement module, a drug carrier box module, a drug manipulation module section, and a mechanical arm module. In some embodiments, at least one redundant hardware and / or spare hardware described above performs the same task and / or similar task and / or different task described above at least one of the modules described above. Adapted to run. In some embodiments, if at least one of the modules described above cannot be performed, the at least one redundant hardware and / or spare hardware described above will perform the task on behalf of the module described above. In some embodiments, the at least one module described above and at least one redundant hardware and / or spare hardware described above simultaneously perform the same task and / or similar and / or different tasks. In particular, in some embodiments, at least one of the redundant hardware and / or spare hardware described above is in the same drug dispensing device. In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device stores a plurality of different individual drugs and prepares a plurality of different individual drugs for being taken by a user in the same unique container. Is configured to run.

Aspects of some embodiments of the invention relate to a modular drug dispensing device comprising at least one module and at least one redundant hardware, wherein the at least one redundant hardware described above is at least the aforementioned redundant hardware. Adapted to perform the same tasks as at least one module described above, with the same configuration and / or similar configuration and / or different configuration as one module. In some embodiments, the at least one module described above and the at least one redundant hardware described above operate simultaneously. In some embodiments, the at least one module and / or the at least one redundant hardware described above is in accordance with the requirements and / or needs of the location where the modular drug dispensing device described above is located. Can be replaced with a different configuration. In some embodiments, the replacement of at least one module described above or at least one redundant hardware described above does not interrupt each other's operation. In some embodiments, the configuration of at least one module described above and / or at least one redundant hardware described above is the same. In some embodiments, the configurations of at least one module described above and / or at least one redundant hardware described above are similar. In some embodiments, the configurations of at least one module described above and / or at least one redundant hardware described above are different. In some embodiments, the configuration of at least one module and / or at least one redundant hardware described above is a requirement and / or need for the location of the modular drug dispensing device described above. Complement each other according to. In particular, in some embodiments, the at least one module described above and the at least one redundant hardware described above are in the same drug dispensing device. In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device stores a plurality of different individual drugs and prepares a plurality of different individual drugs for being taken by a user in the same unique container. Is configured to run.

Aspects of some embodiments of the invention include the aforementioned at least one module in which at least one module can be removed from and / or replaced from the drug dispensing device without interrupting the function of the device. The present invention relates to the above-mentioned drug dispensing device.

Aspects of some embodiments of the invention maintain a drug dispensing apparatus comprising the aforementioned at least one module for which the time required to remove and / or replace at least one module is known. Regarding to do. In some embodiments, scheduling and / or performing maintenance is to remove and / or replace the scheduled activity of the aforementioned drug dispensing device and / or at least one of the aforementioned modules. It will be executed according to the required known time mentioned above. In some embodiments, maintenance is scheduled when the aforementioned drug dispensing device is not in operation. In some embodiments, maintenance is scheduled while the aforementioned drug dispensing device is in operation, and the aforementioned drug dispensing device is adapted to perform the same task as at least one module described above. It has two redundant hardware. In particular, in some embodiments, at least one of the redundant hardware described above is in the same drug dispensing device. In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device stores a plurality of different individual drugs and prepares a plurality of different individual drugs for being taken by a user in the same unique container. Is configured to run.

Aspects of some embodiments of the invention relate to a modular drug dispensing device comprising at least one module and at least one redundant hardware, wherein the modular drug dispensing device described above is at least one described above. It is equipped with hardware and software adapted to perform performance monitoring of one module and at least one redundant hardware and to operate those modules and redundant hardware in accordance with the above monitoring. In some embodiments, the operation of at least one module and at least one redundant hardware described above activates one of those modules and the redundant hardware, the other module and the redundant hardware. Means to stop. In some embodiments, the operation of at least one module and at least one redundant hardware described above means operating both those modules and the redundant hardware at the same time. In some embodiments, if the performance of at least one module and / or at least one redundant hardware described above does not comply with the determined parameters, the device signals the server and / or user of its occurrence. Send. In particular, in some embodiments, the at least one module described above and the at least one redundant hardware described above are in the same drug dispensing device. In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device stores a plurality of different individual drugs and prepares a plurality of different individual drugs for being taken by a user in the same unique container. Is configured to run.

Prior to elaborating on at least one embodiment of the invention, the invention is, in its application, the components and / or methods shown in the following description and / or in the drawings and / or in the examples. It should be understood that the details of the structure and composition of the are not necessarily limited. The present invention can be other embodiments, or can be practiced or practiced in various ways.

Illustrative Previous Drug Dispensing Systems / Methods For many years, pharmacies have remained the mainstay in providing prescription and other drugs to people, as retail pharmacies are located near most residential areas and expand. It became convenient. In recent years, pharmacies have been used to facilitate access to medicines for hospitals, clinics, shopping malls, nursing homes, elderly homes, long-term care facilities, and to facilitate the exchange of information with healthcare professionals. It is now placed inside the facility, such as in other places. Due to the large number of types of drugs stored and dispensed by pharmacies, automation is desired within the pharmacy industry. Therefore, numerous developments have been made to automate the functions of pharmacy ordering, dispensing, and storage. For example, devices have been developed to store drugs and dispense them in response to security codes or other identification information from healthcare professionals or users. Electronic storage and dispensing carts have also been developed, which are often stored on each floor of the hospital so that dispensing instructions can be received electronically from the hospital's pharmacy computer. In addition, devices have been developed to store hundreds of drugs and to dispense drugs for distribution to patients to healthcare professionals.

Nonetheless, nursing homes, elderly housing with care, Alzheimer's disease care facilities, elderly communities, care facilities, and other types that differ significantly in operation, staffing, and physical structure from hospitals, clinics, and home care. In long-term care facilities (hereinafter collectively referred to as "long-term care facilities"), drug storage and distribution were rarely improved. As more and more people are in and will continue to be in these long-term care facilities, and the cost of drugs has risen over the years, pharmacies are deciding to serve these long-term facilities. When trying to support, profitability is often important in the successful management of long-term care facilities. In addition, the technical reliability of drug dispensing devices is crucial for these facilities, as device failures can cause patients to not receive the required drug on time.

Referring here to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary prior art system used, for example, in a long-term care facility. The system usually comprises a storage and dispensing device 100 that is transported to a long-term care facility. In the long-term care facility, the nurse 102 collects the drug and delivers it to the patient 104.

This system provides a partial response to the need for long-term care facilities, but does not guarantee a reliable long-term solution. In these prior art systems, the device often fails due to, for example, a technical failure, maintenance, or unscheduled replenishment of the drug. In any of these scenarios, long-term care facility personnel will need to handle the drug directly again until the device is repaired and / or resupplied.

Exemplary Pharmaceutical Dispensing Devices According to Partial Embodiments of the Invention In some embodiments, pharmaceutical dispensing devices with at least one spare and / or redundant software and / or hardware are provided. To. In some embodiments, at least one spare and / or redundant software and / or hardware described above is inside the same drug dispensing device.

Being "inside the same drug dispensing device" includes, below, all the components required for the drug dispensing process, and in some embodiments, preliminary and / or redundant software and /. Or refers to a single device with an outer skin and / or frame, which also includes hardware. Two identical devices capable of moving materials between each other and placed in close proximity to each other are "at least one spare and / or redundant software inside the same drug dispensing device. It should be understood that it is different from the concept of "drug dispensing device with and / or hardware". The former discloses two independent devices placed in close proximity to each other and connected by specific operable hardware, while the latter is a single containing multiple pieces of hardware inside the same hull. Devices are disclosed and some of their multiple pieces of hardware are identical or similar to each other and are configured to perform the same and / or similar tasks.

In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device comprises at least one module. In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device comprises a plurality of modules. In some embodiments, the at least one module described above is at least one spare and / or redundant, hardware adapted to perform the same and / or similar and / or different functions. Equipped with hardware and / or modules. In some embodiments, at least one module described above and at least one spare and / or redundant hardware and / or module described above perform tasks simultaneously. In some embodiments, the at least one module described above comprises at least one spare and / or redundant hardware and / or module within the same drug dispensing device.

In some embodiments, the at least one module described above comprises at least one unit. In some embodiments, the at least one module described above comprises a plurality of units. In some embodiments, the at least one unit described above is at least one spare and / or redundant, hardware adapted to perform the same and / or similar and / or different functions. Equipped with wear and / or unit. In some embodiments, at least one of the aforementioned units and at least one of the above-mentioned spare and / or redundant hardware and / or units perform tasks simultaneously. In some embodiments, at least one of the aforementioned units comprises at least one spare and / or redundant hardware and / or unit within the same drug dispensing device.

In some embodiments, the at least one unit described above comprises at least one element. In some embodiments, at least one of the aforementioned units comprises a plurality of elements. In some embodiments, the at least one element described above is at least one spare and / or redundant, hardware adapted to perform the same and / or similar and / or different functions. Includes clothing and / or elements. In some embodiments, the at least one element described above and the at least one spare and / or redundant hardware and / or element described above perform tasks simultaneously. In some embodiments, at least one of the aforementioned elements comprises at least one spare and / or redundant hardware and / or element within the same drug dispensing device.

Referring now to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 shows an exemplary drug dispensing apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device comprises at least one module selected from the group consisting of a drug sequence module 106, a drug carrier module 108, a drug manipulation module section 110, and a mechanical arm module 112. ..

In some embodiments, the module, unit, and element comprises at least one dedicated sensor adapted to monitor the function and / or performance and / or requirements of the module / unit / element. In some embodiments, at least one dedicated sensor is remotely activated by the user via a dedicated server.

In some embodiments, verification of hardware functionality, updated software, content (ie, drug), consumables (ie, drug bag) is performed on modules, units, and elements. In some embodiments, the user and / or technician performs the verification in the field of the drug dispensing device. In some embodiments, the user and / or technician performs the verification remotely.

Referring now to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 shows a schematic of an exemplary drug dispensing device with spare and / or redundant hardware and / or modules. In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device with spare and / or redundant hardware and / or modules is at least two drug sequence modules (106a and 106b), at least two drug carrier modules. (108a and 108b), at least two drug control modules (110a and 110b), and at least two mechanical arm modules (112a and 112b). In some embodiments, the aforementioned spare and / or redundant hardware and / or module is inside the same drug dispensing device as the module.

In some embodiments, only one module is operated when spare and / or redundant hardware and / or modules are not in operation. In some embodiments, both the primary module and the spare and / or redundant hardware and / or module are operated simultaneously.

In some embodiments, any of the modules, major modules, or spare and / or redundant hardware and / or modules may be operated independently of the other hardware and / or modules. .. For example, in the drug dispensing apparatus shown in FIG. 3, two drug sequence modules (106a and 106b) may be operated while only one drug carrier module (108a and 108b) is being operated. Similarly, two drug sequence modules (106a and 106b) and two drug carrier modules (108a and 108b) are operated when only one drug manipulation module section (110a and 110b) is being operated.

In some embodiments, the module is designed to be an independent part of the drug dispensing device. For example, the drug carrier module 108 can be completely separated (removable) from the frame of the drug dispensing device without affecting other modules. Here, with reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the drug carrier module 108 separated (removed) from the frame of the drug dispensing device as an example of removing the module. In some embodiments, each module (106, 108, 110, and 112) can be withdrawn from the frame of the drug dispensing device. In some embodiments, each module (106, 108, 110, and 112) can be pulled out of the frame of the drug dispensing device without the need to stop the operation of the device.

In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device is configured to allow a technician to access an internal module of the drug dispensing device without requiring the drug dispensing device to be shut down. .. In some embodiments, this configuration provides free, unobtrusive access, for example, to the front of the drug dispensing device for normal operation (eg, receiving a drug bag ready to be dispensed containing the drug). Includes allowing the technician to access from the back of the drug dispensing device, while leaving. In some embodiments, this configuration allows the technician to leave free, unobstructed access only to the drug carrier module 108, including access to a ready-to-dispens drug bag containing the drug. Includes allowing access from the front or back.

In some embodiments, this configuration may be advantageous during repair and / or maintenance. In some embodiments, the time required to bring the drug dispensing device to a functioning state is very short (ie, minutes). In some embodiments, the technician can pull out the module and then insert a new module in its place. In some embodiments, the time to replace any of the modules, units, or elements from the aforementioned drug dispensing device is from about 1 minute to about 10 minutes. Optionally, it takes about 5 to about 30 minutes. Optionally, it takes about 10 to about 60 minutes.

Exemplary drug sequence module 106
Here, with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the drug sequence module 106. In some embodiments, the drug sequence module 106 is responsible for the storage of various drugs. In some embodiments, the drug sequence module 106 comprises a plurality of drug units 114, each drug unit 114 comprising a plurality of drug elements 116 in which the drug is stored.

In some embodiments, the number of drug units 114 in the drug sequence module 106 is from about 1 to about 500. Optionally, the number of drug units 114 in the drug sequence module 106 is from about 4 to about 300. Optionally, the number of drug units 114 in the drug sequence module 106 is from about 10 to about 200. In some embodiments, each drug unit comprises a spare and / or redundant drug unit adapted to include the same drug element 116. In some embodiments, the aforementioned spare and / or redundant drug unit is inside the same drug dispensing device as the drug unit.

In some embodiments, each drug unit 114 is designed to be an independent portion of the drug sequence module 106. For example, the drug unit 114a may be completely separated (removable) from the frame of the drug sequence module 106, eg, without affecting the correct function of the drug units 114b and / or 114c. In some embodiments, the drug unit 114 is adapted to include a particular number of drug elements 116. In some embodiments, the number of chemical elements in the chemical unit is from about 2 to about 200. Optionally, it is about 5 to about 150. Optionally, it is about 10 to about 100. In some embodiments, each row of the drug unit 114 comprises a plurality of drug subunits 115a-e arranged in sequence, for example as shown in the row of the drug unit 114d.

In some embodiments, the drug unit comprises a spare and / or redundant, drug unit adapted to perform the same function. In some embodiments, the drug subunit comprises a spare and / or redundant, drug subunit adapted to perform the same function. In some embodiments, the aforementioned spare and / or redundant drug subunits are within the same drug dispensing device as the drug subunit.

Here, with reference to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the drug unit 114 separated (removed) from the frame of the drug sequence module 106 as an example of removing the drug unit.

In some embodiments, this configuration may be advantageous during repair and / or maintenance. In some embodiments, the time required to bring the drug dispensing device to a functioning state is very short (ie, minutes). In some embodiments, the technician can pull out the unit and then insert a new unit in its place. In some embodiments, during repair and / or maintenance, an optional and / or additionally the same drug dispensing device and / or the same drug sequence module and / or spare placed inside the same drug unit. , And / or redundant drug units and / or drug subunits perform the functions of the drug unit and / or drug subunit that is being repaired and / or maintained.

Illustrative Chemical Unit 114 / Chemical subunit 115
Referring now to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 shows an exemplary drug unit 114 and / or drug subunit 115 containing five spaces for five drug elements 116. In some embodiments, the drug unit 114 / subunit 115 is adapted to include a plurality of drug elements 116. In some embodiments, the number of drug elements in the drug subunit is from about 2 to about 20. Optionally, it is about 5 to about 15. Optionally, it is about 7 to about 10. In some embodiments, the drug unit 114 / subunit 115 comprises an adapter 118 configured to receive the drug element 116 and secure it in place. In some embodiments, the drug is stored in a drug element. In some embodiments, each drug element stores a different drug. Optionally, multiple drug elements store the same type of drug.

In some embodiments, the drug unit 114 / subunit 115 can have a horizontal orientation with respect to the drug sequence module 106. In some embodiments, the drug unit 114 / subunit 115 can have a orientation perpendicular to the drug sequence module 106.

In some embodiments, the adapter 118 is configured to provide a chemical element 116 having an angle α with respect to the wall of the chemical unit 114 / subunit 115 to which the chemical element 116 is connected. In some embodiments, the angle α is from about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees. Optionally, the angle α is from about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees. Optionally, the angle α is from about 30 degrees to about 50 degrees. Optionally, the angle α is 30 degrees or 45 degrees or 60 degrees.

In some embodiments, each drug element comprises a spare and / or redundant drug element containing the same type of drug. In some embodiments, the aforementioned spare and / or redundant drug elements are within the same drug dispensing device as the drug elements.

In some embodiments, each drug element 116 is designed to be an independent portion of the drug unit 114 / subunit 115. Here, with reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of the chemical element 116b separated (removed) from the chemical unit 114 as an example of removing the chemical element. For example, the drug element 116b can be completely separated (removable) from the frame of the drug unit 114 without affecting, for example, the correct functioning of the drug elements 116a and / or 116c.

In some embodiments, this configuration may be advantageous during repair and / or maintenance. In some embodiments, the time required to bring the drug dispensing device to a functioning state is very short (ie, minutes). In some embodiments, the technician can pull out the unit and then insert a new unit in its place. In some embodiments, spare and / or redundant, optionally, and / or additionally placed inside the same drug dispensing device and / or the same drug unit during repair and / or maintenance. The chemical element performs the function of the chemical element being repaired and / or maintained.

Illustrative chemical element 116
Here, with reference to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the chemical element 116. In some embodiments, each chemical element 116 comprises two main parts: a cartridge 120 and a container 122. In some embodiments, the cartridge 120 and the container 122 may be separated from each other. In some embodiments, the cartridge 120 is filled with a single tablet. In some embodiments, after the cartridge 120 is connected to the container 122, upon first use, the components within the mechanical arm module 112 engage the button 123 to release the lid 124 at the bottom of the cartridge 120. Thereby, the tablet is discharged into the container 122. In some embodiments, the tablets in the cartridge 120 are released only when the tablets in the container 122 are exhausted. In some embodiments, the tablets in the cartridge 120 are used as spare tablets for the tablets in the container 122. In some embodiments, the cartridge comprises a tag 125 (or bar code or Q code) at the top that contains relevant information about the drug inside the cartridge. In some embodiments, the container 122 comprises a base 126 configured to interconnect with the adapter 118 of the chemical unit 114. In some embodiments, the container 122 comprises an electronic tag 128 containing information related to the drug within the drug element 116. In some embodiments, the electronic tag 128 is an RFID tag. Optionally, the electronic tag is a data dot, barcode, or Q code. In some embodiments, the container 122 comprises a cap 132 with an adapter 134 configured to interconnect with a portion of the mechanical arm module 112 and a probe 136 adapted to engage a single tablet. It comprises a probe assembly 130 (see Tablet Engagement Mechanism 146 below). In some embodiments, the container 122 optionally comprises a tablet embankment 138 adapted to partially hold a single tablet and separate from the zone of the straw 136 of the probe 130. In some embodiments, this configuration may be advantageous in facilitating engagement with a single agent.

In some embodiments, the cartridge 120 and / or the container 122 can be replaced without discarding other parts.

In some embodiments, the device includes a plurality of spare probes in case the probe wears out and / or fails. In some embodiments, various designs of probes adapted to engage different types of tablets, for example, are used in the device. For example, the distal end of a probe that engages a tablet can be designed using a circular shape that is adapted to engage a circular tablet. Optionally, the larger probe is adapted to engage the larger tablet.

In some embodiments, the drug element may include a different number of tablets, a different size tablet, and / or a different weight tablet.

Illustrative Mechanical Arm Module 112
Here, with reference to FIG. 10a, FIG. 10a shows a schematic diagram of the mechanical arm module 112. In some embodiments, the mechanical arm module 112 comprises two horizontal rails (138 and 140) on which the vertical axis 142 is on the motor 144 (eg, to the right of the device of FIG. 10). Use (in the corner) to move horizontally (right to left, left to right). In some embodiments, the vertical axis 142 moves horizontally to the same extent as the length of the two horizontal axes (138 and 140). In some embodiments, the mechanical arm module 112 further comprises a tablet engagement mechanism 146 that uses a motor 148 to move vertically (top to bottom, bottom to top) on a vertical axis 142. In some embodiments, the tablet engagement mechanism 146 moves vertically to the same extent as the length of the vertical axis 142.

In some embodiments, the mechanical arm module 112 may be separated (removable) from the frame of the drug dispensing device without the need for removal and / or disassembly of other modules (106, 108, and 110). .. Optionally, only one of the two rails (138 or 140) is used. In such cases, the left-right movement mechanism that provides the movement hangs from the upper rail 138 or rises from the lower 140.

Here, with reference to FIG. 10b, FIG. 10b shows a schematic diagram of a drug dispensing device comprising two mechanical arm modules 112 in the same drug dispensing device. In some embodiments, these mechanical arm modules are arranged parallel to each other so that both mechanical arm modules can function in parallel without interfering with the activities of other mechanical arm modules. To. In some embodiments, one of the two mechanical arm modules operates when the other mechanical arm module is not being operated. In some embodiments, both mechanical arm modules are operated simultaneously. In some embodiments, during repair and / or maintenance, one mechanical arm module located inside the same drug dispensing device performs the function of another mechanical arm module being repaired and / or maintained. ..

Exemplary Tablet Engagement Mechanism 146
Here, referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of the internal mechanism of the tablet engagement mechanism 146.

In some embodiments, the tablet engagement mechanism 146 utilizes a vacuum system to engage a single tablet. In some embodiments, the tablet engagement mechanism 146 comprises a vacuum mechanism 150 that includes all necessary electronics and pumps. In some embodiments, the vacuum mechanism 150 comprises a probe engagement tool 152 adapted to engage the probe 130 into a container 122. In some embodiments, the tablet engagement mechanism 146 optionally comprises a drug bag engagement tool 154 adapted to hold and process the drug bag 156 into which the drug is inserted.

Referring here to FIG. 12, FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of the tablet engagement mechanism 146 separated (removed) from the vertical axis 142. In some embodiments, the engagement mechanism 146 can be easily detached (removable) from the vertical axis 142 without requiring any other portion of the device to be detached. In some embodiments, this configuration may be advantageous during repair and / or maintenance.

Exemplary drug carrier module 108
Here, with reference to FIG. 13, FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of the drug carrier module 108. In some embodiments, the drug bag is inserted into tray 158 in the drug carrier module 108 after it is marked, filled with drug, closed, crimped, and ready to be dispensed. In some embodiments, tray 158 is then removed by facility staff and dispensed to the patient. In some embodiments, the number of trays 158 in the drug carrier module 108 is from about 1 to about 50. Optionally, the number of trays 158 in the drug carrier module 108 is from about 4 to about 40. Optionally, the number of trays 158 in the drug carrier module 108 is from about 6 to about 30. Optionally, the number of trays 158 in the drug carrier module 108 is from about 12 to about 20.

Here, with reference to FIG. 14, FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of the drug carrier module 108 separated (removed) from the frame of the drug dispensing device as an example of removing the module. In some embodiments, the drug carrier module 108 can be withdrawn from the frame of the drug dispensing device without the need for removal and / or disassembly of other modules (106, 110, and 112).

In some embodiments, this configuration may be advantageous during repair and / or maintenance. In some embodiments, the time required to bring the drug dispensing device to a functioning state is very short (ie, minutes). In some embodiments, the technician can pull out the module and then insert a new module in its place.

Exemplary drug manipulation module section 110
In some embodiments, the drug manipulation module section 110 comprises a plurality of modules, each module responsible for different operational aspects of drug preparation and / or dispensing. Referring now to FIG. 15, FIG. 15 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary drug manipulation module section 110. In some embodiments, the drug manipulation module section 110 comprises, for example, a printer module 160, a crimper module 162, at least one drug bag module 164 (two are shown in this example), and a control module 166. There is. Optionally, different modules may use other techniques (eg, staples or glues instead of crimping). Optionally, the agent operating module section 110 may contain spare consumable parts for use when the device is needed. For example, FIG. 15 shows a plurality of probes 168 in a probe station.

In some embodiments, each of the modules in the drug manipulation module section 110 may be separated from the frame of the drug manipulation module section 110 without affecting the operation of the other modules (ie, 160, 162, etc.). (Can be removed). Referring here to FIGS. 16a-c, these figures show three schematics of a portion separated from the drug manipulation module section 110. FIG. 16a shows the medicine bag module 164 separated (removed) from the medicine manipulation module section 110. FIG. 16b shows the printer module 160 separated (removed) from the drug manipulation module section 110. FIG. 16c shows a crimson module 162 that has been separated (removed) from the drug manipulation module section 110. Other spare consumables found in some embodiments are printer ink, staples, additional medicine bags, and the like. In some embodiments, facility personnel may replace consumables for the module.

Illustrative printer module 160
In some embodiments, the printer module 160 is responsible for printing on the medicine bag 156. For example, an exemplary printer module is shown in FIG. 17b.

Illustrative Clymp Module 162
In some embodiments, the crimper module 162 is responsible for closing the drug bag 156 after the drug has been inserted into the drug bag 156. For example, an exemplary crimple module is shown in FIG. 17c.

Illustrative medicine bag module 164
In some embodiments, the medicine bag module 164 is responsible for storing and preparing the medicine bag 156 prior to use. For example, an exemplary medicine bag module is shown in FIG. 17a.

Exemplary control module 166
In some embodiments, the control module 166 controls, for example, packaging and dispensing operations (ie, control of other modules), communicates with external regional or central servers, and performs periodic self-tests. And is responsible for ensuring the continuous operation of the drug dispensing device.

Exemplary Different Configurations of Drug Dispensing Devices In some embodiments, the modular nature of the drug dispensing device provides multiple configurations. Here, with reference to FIGS. 18a-c, these figures show a schematic configuration of an exemplary configuration of a drug dispensing device. FIG. 18a shows a schematic representation of a drug dispensing device in which the drug sequence module 106 is located above the device and the drug carrier module 108 and the drug operating module section 110 are located at the bottom. The mechanical arm module 112 is adapted to reach all required parts of the device due to the modified tablet engagement mechanism 146. FIG. 18b shows a schematic representation of a drug dispensing device in which the drug sequence module 106 is divided into two sections, one section inside the device and the other section at the door of the device. The drug carrier module 108 and the drug operation module section 110 are on the side of the device, as previously indicated. The mechanical arm module 112 is adapted to reach both sides of the drug sequence module 106 due to the modified tablet engagement mechanism 146, which is rotatable about the axis and thus reaches both sides of the drug sequence module 106. ing. Alternatively, two mechanical arm modules (heads) may be used, for example, one mechanical arm module facing the back and another mechanical arm module facing the door. FIG. 18c shows a schematic diagram of a rotary drug dispensing device. In these embodiments, the drug array module 106, the drug carrier box module 108, and the drug manipulation module section 110 are arranged in a columnar frame that is rotatable about an axis. A mechanical arm module 112 is located on the side of the device, and rotation of the row frame causes the associated module to move in front of the mechanical arm module 112. Optionally, the two mechanical arms are attached, for example, at an angle of 180 degrees to each other. In some embodiments, this configuration can be used to speed up the process and / or for spare mechanical arms.

In some embodiments, due to the modular nature of the drug dispensing device, multiple configurations are realized. In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device is placed in the room and the different modules are not included in one particular frame and are distributed throughout the room. In some embodiments, different modules are connected to each other by a dedicated arm module and / or a transport element (eg, a conveyor). In some embodiments, when the drug dispensing device is placed in a room, the room acts as one particular frame, thereby, in some embodiments, spare and / or redundant software. And / or provide a drug dispensing device that includes all the components required for the drug dispensing process, including hardware. Therefore, in some embodiments, the outer skin and / or frame of the drug dispensing device is the room. Optionally, the outer skin and / or frame of the drug dispensing device is a plurality of rooms. Optionally, the outer skin and / or frame of the drug dispensing device is a building optionally comprising multiple rooms. In some embodiments, due to the modular nature of the drug dispensing device, modules can be added and / or removed as needed. For example, additional drug sequence modules may be added to a particular drug dispensing device when needed to increase the amount of drug that the aforementioned drug dispensing device can store. For example, additional drug carrier modules may be added to a particular drug dispensing device when needed to increase the storage capacity of the ready drug bag and / or container to be supplied.

Illustrative Use of Modular Drug Dispensing Appliance In some embodiments, the modularity of the pharmaceutical dispensing appliance is not only for reserve and / or redundancy in case of technical failure, but for other things as well. Can also be used. In some embodiments, the modularity of the drug dispensing device is used to meet the demands and operational needs of the particular location where the device is located.

In some embodiments, examples of requirements and / or needs may be, for example:

Different sizes of dispensing equipment: Specific sizes of equipment capable of processing and storing different amounts of tablets are provided according to location needs. For example, by adding or removing specific modules, an apparatus capable of processing 150 or 200 or 250 types of tablets may be provided.

-Population increase / decrease: If there is an increase or decrease in the population requiring drug dispensing services at a specific location, different modules may be added / removed according to the change.

• Multiple modules performing the same task can have different configurations: for example, a dispensing device with two different medicine bag modules. Each medicine bag module containing different size medicine bags can function at the same time. If one of the two sizes is not needed, the modules can be replaced so that the two medicine bag modules contain the same size medicine bag.

Easily upgradeable: Externally in the dispensing equipment, either hardware or software modules can be upgraded, the technician only needs to replace the old module with the upgraded module, drug dispensing There is no need to replace the entire device.

-Easy to carry: Separate small modules are carried more easily than carrying the entire device.

Special size tablets: If the drug dispensing device needs to dispense tablets with a special size that is larger or smaller than the average tablet size, it does not require the entire device to be replaced. Dedicated modules / units / elements can be incorporated into drug dispensing equipment.

-Mixing different tablets and the amount of tablets require adjustment of the system.

• Modules can be remotely inspected for diagnostics: Remotely inspecting modules from the main server without the need to monitor and / or diagnose the entire device in addition to the built-in diagnostic mechanism of the drug dispensing device. Can be monitored and / or diagnosed.

In some embodiments, different sized drug dispensing devices utilize the same module. In some embodiments, different modules are interchangeable between different sized drug dispensing devices.

In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device uses the redundancy of modules, units, and elements to perform the dispensing process. For example, if there are two mechanical arms, the drug can be transferred from the container (or multiple redundant containers containing the same drug and / or different drugs) to the drug bag (or multiple drug bag modules if there are two or more drug bag modules). Both mechanical arms are used to carry to the medicine bag).

Exemplary Dispensing of Drugs Some embodiments require that two or more types of tablets or drugs need to be inserted into one particular drug bag and / or container. For example, when a patient needs to receive more than one type of drug. Therefore, during the same dispensing event, two or more types of drugs are inserted into the same shipping container (ie, drug bag). In some embodiments, the patient requires a different form of the drug (eg, a drug in the form of tablets and liquids). In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device provides two separate shipping containers to the same patient, one shipping container containing the tablets and another shipping container carrying the liquid. In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device inserts all drugs (tablets and liquids) into the same shipping container. In such cases, the liquid is first inserted into a small container, which is then inserted into the main container along with the tablets. It should be understood that the drug dispensing device dispenses the drug ready to be taken by the patient. For example, if there is a drug that needs to be reconstituted by adding water, the reconstitution is performed on the device itself and then bottled before dispensing to the patient. In some embodiments, the type of agent is selected from the group consisting of tablets, liquids, sprays, injections, ointments, creams, patches, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, insertion into one particular drug bag and / or container means that more than one type of drug is inserted, for example, into the same drug bag. In some embodiments, insertion into one particular drug bag and / or container means within the same compartment of the container, eg, a particular container may include one or more compartments. In some embodiments, one or more individual agents are inserted into the same compartment between one or more compartments, thereby being taken by the same user at different times (one or more individual). Provide multiple doses (containing the drug). In some embodiments, the potential advantage of providing one or more individual agents inserted in the same compartment is to ensure that the user has all the required agents. This also facilitates drug management for each user. It also reduces the likelihood of drug error and / or theft.

In some embodiments, the drug bag and / or container comprises two or more compartments. In some embodiments, different types of drugs are inserted into different compartments within the same drug bag and / or container. In some embodiments, when the drug needs to be combined with other compounds and / or water, the drug is inserted into one compartment and the other compounds and / or water are in different compartments of the same drug bag and / or container. Will be inserted into.

As used herein, in some embodiments, the term "dispensing event" refers to the same session of preparing at least one drug carrier package as described above for two or more of the aforementioned patients. Means. In some embodiments, the term "dispensing event" means that the device assigns one or more different, mutually independent, ready-to-take drugs from one or more containers. It means the action performed by the device from the time it started until the drug is inserted into the carrier container. In some embodiments, the term "dispensing event" refers to a device that transfers one or more different, mutually independent, user-ready drugs from one or more containers to a carrier container. It means the action performed by the device from the time the allocation is started until the container is ready to be dispensed. In some embodiments, the dispensing event may be a large dispensing event that comprises multiple dispensing events and thus provides multiple containers, each dispensing event as disclosed above and each. The container contains one or more compartments and one or more different, mutually independent, ready to be taken by the user. In some embodiments, the dispensing event may be a huge dispensing event that comprises a plurality of large events and thus provides a large amount of drug to be dispensed to a large number of users in a determined time period. In some embodiments, one or more dispensing devices are used at each giant dispensing event and / or large dispensing event and / or dispensing event.

Exemplary Methods In some embodiments, the modules in the drug dispensing device do not function independently of each other. In some embodiments, the modules function as a series of operations performed by each module. For example, the control module receives information about the next batch of drug to be dispensed. The mechanical arm module is activated and extends the arm to a specific drug in the drug unit located within the drug array module. The tablets are engaged by the tablet engagement mechanism, and the mechanical arm module carries the drug to the drug bag received from the drug bag module. After all the required drug has been inserted into the drug bag, the drug bag is closed, for example by a crimper module, and the printer module marks the drug bag with relevant information. The mechanical arm module then carries the medicine bag to the medicine carrier module, where the user finally removes the tray containing all the medicine bags. In some embodiments, each of the drug carrier packages (ie, drug bags) comprises a drug taken by a single patient at a single dispensing time.

In some embodiments, the user has the discretion to determine in what order the modules, units, elements, and / or agents are used. In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device itself performs the insertion of inputs regarding the priority of activation of different components and / or drugs via the display. In some embodiments, the user remotely inserts inputs regarding activation priorities for different components and / or agents.

Referring now to FIG. 19, FIG. 19 shows a schematic flow chart of a method performed by an exemplary drug manipulation service system. In some embodiments, the dispensing device runs a self-diagnosis program 200 on software, hardware, and inventory. In some embodiments, the dispensing device may detect problem 202 during the execution of a self-diagnosis program. In some embodiments, the self-diagnosis is performed at a specific time (eg, at device startup, before each drug is executed, etc.). In some embodiments, the diagnosis is performed when some failure and / or planned maintenance / diagnosis occurs. In some embodiments, the device includes remote diagnostic options, in which the control center can contact the system to check all sensors and modules and evaluate their condition. In some embodiments, the device comprises at least one camera in the arm module that can be remotely moved to see various elements of the device. In some embodiments, the subcomponent and / or module comprises at least one sensor and control logic for self-inspection, eg rails provide status reports for rail motors and encoders. In some embodiments, the operating module can detect, for example, a reduction in the number of consumables. In some embodiments, at least one dedicated sensor and / or at least one camera is remotely activated by the user via a dedicated server. In some embodiments, the problems revealed by the self-diagnosis program may be, for example, technical problem 204, inventory problem 206, and / or unknown problem 208.

In some embodiments, statistics are used to predict and / or identify problems in drug dispensing devices. For example, frequently used modules are susceptible to technical problems and failures. In some embodiments, statistics and visual confirmation of the problem are used to monitor the performance of the drug dispensing device.

In some embodiments, tests are used to monitor the performance of the drug dispensing device. In some embodiments, the user can remotely activate the drug dispensing device to prepare a simulated drug bag containing the simulated drug. The device selects the simulated drug, inserts it into the drug bag, closes the drug bag, and performs the entire process of printing "simulation" or "inspection" on the drug bag. While doing this, observe through cameras in different modules of the drug dispensing device and monitor different sensors in each module.

In some embodiments, successive queries are enabled in each of the scenarios to evaluate the situation and proceed accordingly, as described in the following paragraphs. In some embodiments, the dispensing device continues the diagnostic program until it receives an "all-no problem" response or until a problem is detected and identified (210). In some embodiments, if the problem exists and is inventory problem 206, the dispensing device contacts the server to resolve the problem (212). In some embodiments, if the problem exists and is technical problem 204 and / or unknown problem 208, further identification of which module and / or unit and / or element is problematic is further specified ( 214). After being identified, the device determines whether there are spare and / or redundant modules and / or units and / or elements that can replace the affected modules and / or units and / or elements. Inquire (216). If there are no spare and / or redundant modules and / or units and / or elements that can replace the affected modules and / or units and / or elements, the device will solve the problem. Contact the server (218). If there are spare and / or redundant modules and / or units and / or elements that can replace the affected modules and / or units and / or elements (the flowchart is from letter A220 onwards, figure). The device (following 20) changes the primary module and / or unit and / or element to a spare and / or redundant module and / or unit and / or element and contacts the server to notify the problem. (222).

With reference to FIG. 21, FIG. 21 shows a schematic flow chart of an exemplary maintenance scheduling method for a drug manipulation service system. In some embodiments, if the dispensing device requires maintenance (230), the central server software presents an estimated known time to perform maintenance on the module / unit / element (232). ). Next, the central server presents the activity schedule of the dispensing device (234). At this point, the software searches for a time frame during which the dispensing device is not operating, where all maintenance can be performed (236). If such a time frame exists, the software schedules maintenance (238). In some embodiments, there is a maintenance follow-up after a period of scheduled maintenance (240). In some embodiments, follow-up is performed the day after scheduled maintenance. Optionally, it can be one week after scheduled maintenance. Optionally, it can be two weeks or more after scheduled maintenance. If such a time frame does not exist, the software (after the letter "B", following FIG. 22) queries whether maintenance can be divided into different time frames (242). If the answer is yes, the maintenance task is split and scheduled within different time frames (244). A follow-up is then performed (246). If maintenance cannot be split, the software queries whether the device contains spare and / or redundant hardware for the parts that require maintenance (248). If the answer is yes, then the software schedules the maintenance because it can operate the spare and / or redundant hardware while performing the scheduled maintenance (250). A follow-up is then performed (252). If the answer is "no", the software (after the letter "C", following FIG. 23) selects the least scheduled activity time frame within the activity schedule of the dispensing device described above (254). The software then schedules maintenance and activates the secondary dispensing device to provide the drug during the aforementioned least scheduled activity time frame in which maintenance is scheduled (256). A follow-up is then performed (258).

Here, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in a non-limiting manner with reference to the following examples, in addition to the above description.

Preparing a batch of medicines In a hospital scenario with multiple rooms on one floor, multiple patients in each room are scheduled to receive their morning medicines at 8am. The drug dispensing device receives information about each patient, such as which bed in which room on the floor and which drug the patient needs to receive as described in the scenario. The drug dispensing device calculates the time required to prepare all the drugs and automatically initiates the preparation of the drug batch for the patient's morning drug. The drug dispensing device can prepare batches room by room and / or floor by floor, and / or in the order of beds in each room on the floor. The mechanical arm module picks up the tablet from the drug element and begins carrying it to the designated drug bag. After all the required tablets are in the medicine bag, the medicine bag is closed and the patient's information is printed on the medicine bag. The medicine bag is then carried to a tray in the medicine carrier module. This process continues until all medicine bags containing all tablets for all patients on the floor are ready. The user and / or nurse then picks up the trays that are ready to be delivered in the prescribed order. Although only tablets are mentioned in this example, it should be understood that it is clear that other types of agents (eg, liquids) can be dispensed with tablets.

Field replacement of modules In this scenario, there is a drug dispensing device in the hospital that contains all the modules mentioned above, and at least one redundant module per module. During batch preparation, one of the medicine bag modules stops functioning. At this point, the drug dispensing device continues to operate using only one drug bag module. A signal indicating that the medicine bag module is not functioning is sent to the technician and / or the user. For the purpose of this scenario, a technician arrives with a new medicine bag module. As the drug dispensing device continues to prepare batches of drug, the technician opens the device, pulls out the defective medicine bag module, and installs a new medicine bag module in its place. While doing this, the drug dispensing device continues to prepare the drug to be delivered. The introduction of the new medicine bag module is received by the medicine operation module section and the medicine dispensing device resumes using both medicine bag modules for batch preparation. The same principle applies to modules, hardware, units, and elements.

Time / Production Optimization and Scheduling This scenario requires the technician to schedule maintenance of the drug dispensing device. The drug dispensing device already includes a schedule for the preparation of the morning batch. The technician must perform the maintenance at a specific time, which coincides with the morning batch preparation schedule. In one scenario, the drug dispensing device can optimize morning batch preparation by utilizing all the modules available in the arrangement. In this way, for example, the drug dispensing device can prepare the batch in less time and thus initiate a time frame in which the technician can come and perform the scheduled maintenance. In another scenario, when a technician is performing maintenance on another set of modules, one set of modules is used, then at some point the roles are swapped and the first set is maintained. At this time, the second set (which has already passed the maintenance) begins to prepare the batch, so that the system can link the maintenance with the preparation of the batch.

As used herein with reference to a quantity or value, the term "about" means "within ± 20% of."

The terms "prepare", "prepare", "contain", "contain", "have", "have", and their conjugations include, but are limited to. It means "not done".

The term "consisting of" means "including, but not limited to,".

The term "basically consists of" means that the composition, method, or structure may include additional ingredients, steps, and / or components, but it does include additional ingredients, steps, and. / Or only if the component does not significantly change the underlying new properties of the claimed composition, method, or structure.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include multiple references unless expressly stated in the context. For example, the term "unit" or "at least one unit" may include a plurality of compounds, including subunits of the unit.

Throughout this application, embodiments of the invention may be presented with reference to a range of forms. It should be understood that the description in the form of scope is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Therefore, the description of a range should be considered as specifically disclosing all possible subranges, in addition to the individual numbers within that range. For example, a description of a range such as "1-6" will include "1-3", "1-4" in addition to the individual numbers within that range, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. , "1-5", "2-4", "2-6", "3-6", etc. should be considered to specifically disclose a partial range. This is true regardless of the width of the range.

In the present specification, a numerical range (eg, "10 to 15 (10-15)", "10 to 15 (10 to 15)", or any other pair of numerical values linked by an indication in such a range. ) Is always intended to include any number (fraction or integer) within the limits of the indicated range, including the limits of the range, unless otherwise explicitly stated in the context. The first and second numbers "over the range", and the first and "from" the second numbers "to" and "to" The phrase "up to", or "through" (or another term indicating such a range), is used interchangeably herein, first. It is intended to include the numbers shown in and the numbers shown in the second, as well as all fractions and integers between them.

Unless otherwise indicated, the numbers used herein and any numerical range based on them are approximations within reasonable measurement and rounding error accuracy, as understood by those of skill in the art.

It is understood that the particular features of the invention described in the context of separate embodiments may be provided in combination in a single embodiment for clarity. Conversely, the various features of the invention described in the context of a single embodiment for brevity are separate or in any suitable partial combination, or any other description of the invention. It may be provided as appropriate in the embodiments described. The specific features described in the context of the various embodiments should not be considered an integral feature of those embodiments unless the embodiments would be inoperable without such elements.

Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with its particular embodiment, it is clear to those skilled in the art that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent. Therefore, it is intended to include the ideas of the attached claims and all such alternatives, modifications, and variations contained in the broad scope.

All published documents, patents, and patent applications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in a specific and individual manner with respect to the individual published documents, patents, or patent applications. To the same extent as indicated by, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, the citation or identification of all references in this application shall not be construed as an endorsement that such references can be used in the present invention as prior art. To the extent that section headings are used, those headings should not necessarily be construed as restrictive. In addition, all priority documents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In addition, all priority documents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

100 Storage and dispensing device 102 Nurse 104 Patient 106 Drug sequence module 106a Drug sequence module 106b Drug sequence module 108 Drug carrier module 108a Drug carrier module 108b Drug carrier module 110 Drug operation module section 110a Drug operation module section 110b Drug operation Module Section 112 Mechanical Arm Module 112a Mechanical Arm Module 112b Mechanical Arm Module 114 Chemical Unit 114a Chemical Unit 114b Chemical Unit 114c Chemical Unit 114d Chemical Unit 115 Chemical Sub Unit 115a Chemical Sub Unit 115b Chemical Sub Unit 115c Chemical Sub Unit 115d Chemical Sub Unit 115e Chemical Subunit 116 Chemical Element 116a Chemical Element 116b Chemical Element 116c Chemical Element 118 Adapter 120 Cartridge 122 Container 123 Button 124 Lid 125 Tag 126 Base 128 Electronic Tag 130 Probe 132 Cap 134 Adapter 136 Straw 138 Tablet Embankment 138 Rail 140 Rail 142 Vertical Axis 144 Motor 146 Tablet Engagement Mechanism 148 Motor 150 Vacuum Mechanism 152 Probe Engagement Tool 154 Medicine Bag Engagement Tool 156 Medicine Bag 158 Tray 160 Printer Module 162 Clymp Module 164 Medicine Bag Module 166 Control Module 168 Probe 200 Step 202 Step 202 Step 204 Step 206 Step 208 Step 210 Step 212 Step 214 Step 216 Step 218 Step 220 Step 222 Step 230 Step 232 Step 234 Step 236 Step 238 Step 240 Step 240 Step 242 Step 244 Step 248 Step 250 Step 252 Step 254 Step 256 Step 258 Step

Claims (35)

Perform a drug dispensing process that involves withdrawing at least one drug ready to be taken by a patient from a dedicated container and relaying the at least one drug inside at least one drug carrier package. It is a drug dispensing device configured to perform the above-mentioned drug dispensing device.
a. With at least one module configured with a first configuration to mechanically perform at least one first part of the drug dispensing process.
b. With at least one additional hardware module configured with a second configuration to mechanically perform at least one second part of the drug dispensing process.
c. A circuit that controls the recovery of at least one drug from the dedicated container and the relay of the at least one drug into the inside of the at least one drug carrier package, wherein the circuit is the drug dispensing. It comprises a circuit that further links the operation of the at least one module and the at least one additional hardware module using at least one process-related parameter.
The at least one first portion of the drug dispensing process comprises at least one first mechanical action and the at least one module is configured to perform the at least one first mechanical action. And the at least one additional hardware module is also configured to perform the at least one first mechanical action.
The at least one first mechanical action performed by the at least one module and the at least one first mechanical action performed by the at least one additional hardware module are among the patients. Performed during the same session preparing the at least one drug carrier package for one or more persons,
A drug dispensing device in which the at least one module and the at least one additional hardware module are arranged in the same drug dispensing device. The drug dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first part of the drug dispensing process and the at least one second part of the drug dispensing process are different parts of the drug dispensing process. The drug dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one first configuration and the at least one second configuration have the same configuration. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one first configuration and the at least one second configuration are different configurations. The at least one first and the at least one second configuration
a. Type of drug,
b. Drug size,
c. Amount of drug,
d. Types of drug carrier packages,
e. Drug carrier package size,
f. Drug engagement mechanism, and g. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is adapted to at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a drug transport mechanism. The at least one first portion of the drug dispensing process and the at least one second portion of the drug dispensing process prepare the at least one drug carrier package for two or more of the patients. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is executed during the same session. The at least one first portion of the drug dispensing process and the at least one second portion of the drug dispensing process prepare the at least one drug carrier package for two or more of the patients. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is performed in different sessions. The at least one second part of the drug dispensing process comprises at least one second mechanical action and the at least one additional hardware module performs the at least one second mechanical action. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one module is also configured to perform the at least one second mechanical action. The at least one second mechanical action performed by the at least one module and the at least one second mechanical action performed by the at least one additional hardware module are among the patients. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is performed during the same session to prepare the at least one drug carrier package for one or more persons. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one module is selected from the group consisting of a drug array module, a drug carrier box module, a drug operation module section, and a mechanical arm module. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the drug is recovered from the drug sequence module by the mechanical arm module. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the drug is carried by the mechanical arm module to a drug bag located in the drug bag module in the operation module section. The drug dispensing process
a. Inserting two or more drugs into one medicine bag,
b. Inserting two or more types of drugs into one medicine bag,
c. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising at least one of inserting one type of drug into two or more drug bags. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one additional hardware module is operated when the at least one module cannot be operated. The at least one module comprises at least one unit configured in a third configuration to perform at least one third part of the process, wherein the at least one unit is at least one of the processes. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising at least one element configured in the fourth configuration to perform a fourth portion. Modules, additional hardware modules, units, and elements are configured to communicate with the circuit and monitor parts of the process.
a. At least one sensor, and b. With at least one second additional hardware module selected from the group consisting of at least one camera,
The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least one second additional hardware module is remotely operated by a user via a dedicated server. When the drug dispensing device is being operated, the at least one module and the at least one additional hardware module are removed from the drug dispensing device without interrupting the part of the process of the drug dispensing device. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, each configured to be independently removed. The drug dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the module is configured to be independently replaced from the drug dispensing device. The drug dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein replacing the module does not interrupt said portion of the process of the drug dispensing device. The drug dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein it takes about 1 second to about 10 minutes to separate the module and the drug dispensing device when replacing the module. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the at least one module is operated in the middle of the drug dispensing process. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the at least one additional hardware module is operated in the middle of the drug dispensing process. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the at least one drug carrier package contains a drug to be taken by the user during a single drug ingestion time. The drug dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the drug dispensing process comprises inserting two or more types of drugs into the at least one drug carrier package within the same dispensing session. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein each of the above-mentioned types of drugs is a drug in a final state before being taken by the patient. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein each of the above-mentioned types of drugs does not require further mixing or dilution before being inserted into the at least one drug carrier package. The drug dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the drug of the above type is selected from the group consisting of tablets, liquids, sprays, injections, ointments, creams, patches, and any combination thereof. .. It is a method of operating a drug dispensing device,
a. The first and the second, using at least one first removable drug dispensing module, at least one second removable drug dispensing module, and at least one parameter associated with drug dispensing. To provide a drug dispensing device including a circuit that interconnects, controls, and links mechanical operations in the drug dispensing process of a removable drug dispensing module.
b. Configuring the at least one second removable drug dispensing module to perform a mechanical operation of the at least one first removable drug dispensing module prior to the dispensing event.
c. To mechanically operate the first and second removable drug dispensing modules during the same session preparing the at least one drug carrier package for one or more of the patients.
d. Preparing said at least one drug carrier package for said one or more of said patients Mechanically operate one of said modules when the other module is inoperable during the same session. Including continuing to do
The method prepares the at least one drug carrier package for the one or more of the patients. During the same session, two or more types of drugs are inserted into at least one drug shipping container. The method, including that. 28. The method of claim 28, wherein each of the agents of the type is an agent in the final state before being taken by said one or more of the patients. 28. The method of claim 28 or 29, wherein each of the agents of the type does not require further mixing or dilution prior to being inserted into the at least one agent transport container. The method of any one of claims 28-30, wherein the agent of the type is selected from the group consisting of tablets, liquids, sprays, injections, ointments, creams, patches, and any combination thereof. One of claims 28-31, wherein the first and second removable drug dispensing modules are provided from the group consisting of a drug sequence module, a drug carrier module, a drug operation module section, and a mechanical arm module. The method described in the section. The drug dispensing process
a. To store at least one drug and
b. Receiving information on at least one drug to be dispensed,
c. Identifying at least one drug and
d. Identifying at least one position of the at least one drug and
e. Collecting the at least one drug from the at least one position and
f. Carrying the at least one drug from the at least one position to at least one second position in the dispensing device.
g. To release the at least one drug to the at least one second position,
h. Printing at least one piece of information on at least one drug shipping container,
i. Closing the at least one drug shipping container and
j. Inserting the at least one container into at least one shipping box and
k. The method of any one of claims 28-32, comprising dispensing the at least one shipping box to at least one authorized user. The at least one parameter or the mechanical operation
a. To store at least one drug and
b. Identifying at least one drug and
c. Identifying at least one position of the at least one drug and
d. Collecting the at least one drug from the at least one position and
e. Carrying the at least one drug from the at least one position to at least one second position in the dispensing device.
f. To release the at least one drug to the at least one second position,
g. Printing at least one piece of information on at least one drug shipping container,
h. Closing the at least one drug shipping container and
i. Inserting the at least one container into at least one shipping box and
j. The method of any one of claims 28-33, selected from the group consisting of dispensing the at least one carrier to at least one authorized user. The above method
a. Inserting two or more drugs into one medicine bag,
b. Inserting two or more types of drugs into one medicine bag,
c. The method of any one of claims 28-34, comprising at least one of inserting one type of drug into two or more drug bags.

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